It is extremely important to apply sunscreen to your face every day, even on cloudy days! Sunscreen has become an essential part of the skin care routine, as research has shown over the years that sun protection is the best way to not only prevent skin cancer but also to prevent premature aging. While the sun may feel amazing on our skin on those warm summer days, it's crucial to keep your skin protected from the sun's harmful UV rays. Dermatologists emphasize that UV rays can even penetrate through glass windows. So, if you aren't already, you should apply sunscreen daily.
SPF, or sun protection factor, is a measure of how well a sunscreen filters out the sun's UVB rays, the type of UV radiation that damages skin cells and causes sunburns and skin cancer. In order to adequately protect your skin, you should be using a sunscreen that also filters out UVA rays, which are responsible for causing premature aging and skin damage such as sun spots. Japanese and Korean sunscreens use a PA rating to measure protection against UVA rays.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. To sufficiently protect your skin from the sun's UV radiation, dermatologists recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and PA++ for daily use. This is just for a daily sunscreen – if you're spending a day at the beach or engaging in outdoor sports or activities, you should go higher than sunscreen SPF 30 for serious sun protection, and reapply regularly.
When choosing the best sunscreen for your face, one of the first things you may have to decide is whether you'll go for a chemical sunscreen or a mineral sunscreen. Both chemical and mineral sunscreen protect the face against the sun's harmful UV rays, but they each work differently and have their pros and cons. Which one you decide on will be up to you and your skin. There are also hybrid sunscreens that use both chemical and mineral sunscreen ingredients.
Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, protect the skin from UV rays by preventing them from penetrating the skin in the first place. They do so with mineral active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that reflect and scatter the sun's UVA and UVB rays. Mineral face sunscreens are popular with those with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation.
Chemical sunscreens absorb the sun's UV rays before transforming them into heat, which is then released from the skin. A chemical sunscreen typically contains chemical active ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone for sun protection. As chemical sunscreens tend to be lighter, they are a great choice for those looking for a lightweight face sunscreen without a white cast.
When you initially apply sunscreen, you should use enough to cover the whole face and neck. As a general rule, you should apply broad-spectrum SPF around 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure. After the initial application, reapply the face sunscreen every two to three hours. This is especially important if you're spending a lot of time outdoors. The two-hour rule is a bare minimum. In addition, you should reapply sunscreen after swimming or excessive sweating, even if it hasn't been two hours since your last application. Face sunscreens can rub off or wash away, so it's crucial to reapply to protect your skin. If you're using makeup over your sunscreen, reapplying face sunscreen can be challenging, but in this case, stick or powder sunscreens are your best friend!
To choose the best sunscreen for the face, an important consideration is its consistency. While the consistency you want for your facial sunscreen is ultimately up to your discretion, most people prefer lightweight formulas that are non-greasy and non-sticky.
Yes, skin type matters. Whether you have naturally oily skin, dry skin or combination skin, your skin type should be one of the more significant factors when choosing sunscreen for your face. You want to find a facial sunscreen that provides sufficient sun protection while also preventing other skin concerns such as breakouts or excessive dryness. Here's what you should know about choosing sunscreen for different skin types!
Dry skin: Find a face sunscreen that has hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramide. A creamier formula can help retain moisture in your skin while protecting it from the sun. Moisturizers with SPF are also popular for combining the moisturizing and sunscreen steps in the skin care routine. If you decide to go for a facial moisturizer with SPF, make sure it provides an adequate level of broad-spectrum protection.
Combination skin: Opt for a face sunscreen that is lightweight, oil-free and non-greasy. A sunscreen with a lotion-like texture would work well in hydrating skin without leaving an oily residue or clogging pores.
Sensitive skin: Mineral sunscreens, or physical sunscreens, with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide UV filters are usually better for reactive and sensitive skin types. Look for a fragrance-free mineral-based formula infused with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera and centella asiatica to calm skin.
Every person's skin is different. A certain face sunscreen that your friend loves may feel uncomfortable on your skin. That's why finding a face sunscreen that works for you is incredibly important. If you're not sure which one to go for, try out different options until you find the best face sunscreen for you!
Some of the most popular face sunscreens from K-Beauty and J-Beauty brands include:
